Heat raises fire danger in parts of Oregon

Temperatures are expected in the 90s, and forecasters say lightning from scattered thunderstorms could spark wildfires.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Hot, dry weather is increasing the wildfire danger in much of Oregon.

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for critical fire weather conditions from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday in an area that includes the east slopes of the central Cascades and areas around the cities of Bend, Madras, Redmond and Prineville.

Temperatures are expected in the 90s, and forecasters say lightning from scattered thunderstorms could spark wildfires.

Lightning is also expected Tuesday afternoon in a band of southern Oregon stretching from Jackson County west of the Cascade Range to Harney County in the eastern section of the state.